Paternity rights still a battle in Japanese work culture

China is the world's last major economy still imposing a draconian zero-Covid strategy, responding to small numbers of cases with strict lockdowns and tough testing campaigns. However, the measures have taken a heavy toll on the world's second-biggest economy and residents are voicing their frustration. Beijing has repeatedly defended its strategy and this week sent another 1.7 million people into lockdown in central Anhui province.

Finally, India has banned 19 single-use plastic items, including straws, cups and cigarette packets, all to combat worsening pollution. It is a radical move and the first such nationwide ban. India uses about 14 million tons of plastic annually, but the country lacks an organised system for managing plastic waste, leading to widespread littering.

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